GANG INFORMATION - COMMONWEALTH'S ATTORNEY, Halifax County, Virginia, USA

COMMONWEALTH'S ATTORNEY

County of Halifax, Virginia

GANG INFORMATION
Fighting the scourge of gang related activity is one of the hallmarks of the Halifax County Commonwealth's Office under the direction of Kim White.

MESSAGE FROM KIM WHITE, COMMONWEALTH'S ATTORNEY
WARNING SIGNS OF GANG INVOLVEMENT
WHAT PARENTS CAN DO TO PREVENT GANG INVOLVEMENT
RESOURCES

Dear Citizens of Halifax County,

The Halifax County Anti-Gang Task Force is made up of law enforcement and corrections officers, prosecutors, educators, ministers, business leaders, elected officials and community volunteers. Each of us has a common goal to ensure that Halifax County remains safe from gangs and gang violence. We remain committed to the enforcement of the laws but are equally passionate in our prevention efforts. Our goal will be reached when all of us, including parents, work together to provide our youth with the tools to resist gangs and to strive for success. We are hopeful that this web site will assist parents, children, and community members in these efforts. If we can provide any further information, present an educational program, or answer any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Commonwealth's Attorney's Office by mail, telephone, fax, or email.

Sincerely,
Kim Slayton White
Commonwealth's Attorney for Halifax County
The Courthouse Annex
PO Box 550
Halifax, VA 24558
Telephone: 434-476-2139
Fax: 434-476-5042
Email: kwhite@co.halifax.va.us

WARNING SIGNS OF GANG INVOLVEMENT
Your child exhibits negative changes in behavior such as:

Withdraws from family

Declining school attendance or performance

Stays out late without a reason

Displays an unusual desire for secrecy

Exhibits signs of drug use

Breaks rules constantly

Speaks in gang-style slang

Shows an unusual interest in one or two particular colors or a particular logo

Using unusual hand signals to communicate with friends

Has an unusual interest in gangsta-influenced music, videos, movies or websites

Has specific drawings or gang symbols on schoolbooks, clothes, walls or displays tattoos

Comes home with unexplained physical injuries (fighting related bruises such as injuries to the hand or knuckles)

Has unexplained cash or goods such as clothing, electronics or jewelry

Admits to "hanging out" with kids in gangs

HOW PARENTS CAN HELP PREVENT GANG INVOLVEMENT

As a parent you want to protect your children and make sure that they do not become involved with gangs. Here are some good parenting strategies to keep your child from gang involvement:

Spend quality time with your child

Get involved in your child's school activities

Know your child's friends and their families

Talk with your child about the dangers and consequences of gang involvement

Let your child know that you do not want to see them hurt or arrested

Teach your child how to cope with peer pressure

Take action in your neighborhood (create a neighborhood alliance, report graffiti)

Do not allow the use of any kind of hand or finger signs that may be meaningful to gangs

Do not allow your child to wear clothing that may have meaning to gangs in your area

RESOURCES

To help families in their gang prevention efforts, Halifax County has a broad range of resources available to you and your child:

GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES

Project Safe Neighborhoods

HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS

Halifax County Health Dept.     434-476-4863

Southside Common Services Board     434-572-2936

Healthy Families     434-575-0110

POLICE DEPARTMENTS

Town of Halifax     434-476-2526

Town of South Boston     434-575-4270

Sheriff's Department     434-476-3334

Virginia State Police     800-552-0962

Non-Emergency Calls     434-476-1887

Commonwealth's Attorney     434-476-2139

Victim/Witness Assistance     434-476-3393

POWERPOINT PRESENTATIONS

Gang Graffiti

Gangs 101

Your Friends, Your Choices

RECREATION

Y.M.C.A.     434-572-8909

South Boston United Martial Arts     434-575-8888

Halifax County Recreation Dept.     434-476-3332

AYSO     434-454-6673

SUMMER PROGRAM

Kids College (SVHED)     434-572-5440

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Mentor/Role Model Program     434-575-3011

Misunderstood     434-476-7172

YOUTH CIVIC ASSOCIATIONS

Boy Scouts of America     434-728-1638 or 540-265-0656

Girl Scouts of America     800-474-1948

4-H Clubs     434-476-2134

In addition to these fine organizations, check with the schools for clubs and various activities; also contact the local churches and ministers of Halifax County for assistance.